1. God`s Prophetic Calendar. A. The Day of Christ.

Marilyn C

Marilyn C

Chronological Sequence of Prophetic Events.

I believe the Bible quite clearly presents an obvious & unmistakable sequence. I see that it unfolds naturally & logically as an outworking of the Divine purpose for the three classes of people recognized by God.


A. THE DAY OF CHRIST. (for the Body of Christ)

There is a time for events that relate to the Body of Christ culminating in the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus.



B. THE DAY OF THE LORD. (for the Nations & Israel)

There is a time for world events, affecting the nations, leading up to the supreme dictator who will gather all people to the great battle of Armageddon.



C. THE DAY OF GOD. (for the Eternal Purposes)

Finally with the ultimate restitution of all things time will be absorbed into the eternal purposes.



I see that it is vital to distinguish to which time-zone prophecies are scheduled. Also, I believe God`s word shows a significant grouping of all related prophetical predictions under specific `Days.` These prophecies are put in their respective categories & the resultant calendar reveals events shortly to affect the entire world.



As this is a big subject I will post it in stages on different threads, for a more profitable discussion.



Marilyn
 
PROPHETIC CALENDAR


A. THE DAY OF CHRIST.
This relates, I believe, solely to the Body of Christ, & its removal from the earth. Paul is the only one who mentions this day and he is distinctly the Apostle to the Body of Christ.

`….so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.` (1 Cor. 1:7 & 8)

`…being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.` (Phil. 1: 6)

  1. Gathering together unto Him.
a) The Lord Himself shall descend. (1 Thess. 4: 16)
b) The Body of Christ `caught up` to Him. (1 Thess. 4: 16 – 17, Eph. 5: 27)
c) Changed into His likeness. (Phil. 3: 20 & 21, 1 Cor. 15; 51 – 57. John 3: 2)

2. The Judgment Seat of Christ.
a) Every Christian examined. (1 Cor. 4: 5, 2 Cor. 5: 10, Rom. 14: 10 – 12)
b) Rewards or Loss. (1 Cor. 3:11 – 15, 2 Jn. 8)
c) Crowns allocated. (1 Cor. 9: 25, 2 Tim. 4: 8, James 1: 12)


3. Restitution of All Things.
Commencement. (Acts 3: 21)


This is the first part of what I see as God`s prophetic calendar, so now what are your thoughts on this section.

Marilyn.
 
The Day of Christ. What a wonderful hope we have as the Body of Christ, that one day the Lord Himself will come to connect `physically` with His `Body of believers.` The Lord, as we know is building & maturing His Body & then when He has brought us to the Unity of Faith in what we believe of Him & His purposes, then we will be `caught up` to meet Him in the air.

`…till we are all come to the unity of the faith & the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect (mature) man, to the measure of the fullness of Christ.` (Eph. 4: 13)

`…when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth…` (John 16: 13)


How wonderful to know that He who has begun a good work within us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

`…being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.` (Phil. 1: 6)



This is how I see the first section of the Day of Christ.

  1. Gathering together unto Him.

    a) The Lord Himself shall descend.
` For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, & with the trumpet of God. `(1 Thess. 4: 16)


God does not send an angel but His very Son to bring the Body of Christ to their eternal setting in glory. The Lord has been at the right hand of the Father interceding for the believers, but in God`s appointed time he will leave there & come for His Body. Then the Head (Christ) & His Body, (believers) will be forever united.



b) The Body of Christ `caught up` to Him.


` Then we who are alive & remain shall be caught up together with them (dead in Christ) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.` (1 Thess. 4: 17)


` …that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy & without blemish.` (Eph. 5: 27)


The Lord Himself by His Holy Spirit will have brought the believers to maturity, as one Body, united together, in their belief of the Lord & His purposes. What a glorious hope & confident expectancy.
 
c) Changed into His likeness. (Phil. 3: 20 & 21, 1 Cor. 15; 51 – 57. 1. John 3: 2)

`Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, & the dead will be raised incorruptible. & we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, & this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, & this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” …thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.` (1 Cor. 15: 51 – 57)


What an absolutely amazing hope – new bodies. It fills me with wonder as I think upon being changed from this mortal body to a supernatural body.

`It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, & there is a spiritual body.` (1 Cor. 15: 44)

Spiritual – Gk. `pneumatikos` meaning divinely supernatural.


Our bodies will not be like Adam`s body in that it came from the dust of the earth. Our bodies will be of a heavenly, divine substance.

`The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; & is the heavenly man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly man.` (1 Cor. 15: 47 & 48)


Our new bodies, immortal, incorruptible, divinely supernatural will have flesh & bones but will not have blood. Since the life is in the blood, it follows that a new life principle must animate that body. And since it is an immortal, incorruptible body it will be of divine substance.

`Behold my hands & my feet, that it is I myself. Handle me & see, for a spirit (ethereal) does not have flesh & bones as you see I have.` (Luke 24: 39)


And wonder of wonders, we will be like our precious Lord.

`For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.` (Phil. 3: 20 & 21)

`Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.` (1 John 3: 2)

Marilyn.
 
Previously I said -

What a wonderful hope we have as the Body of Christ, that one day the Lord Himself will come to connect `physically` with His `Body of believers.` The Lord, as we know is building & maturing His Body & then when He has brought us to the Unity of Faith in what we believe of Him & His purposes, then we will be `caught up` to meet Him in the air.

`…till we are all come to the unity of the faith & the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect (mature) man, to the measure of the fullness of Christ.` (Eph. 4: 13)

`…when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth…` (John 16: 13)


I would like to enlarge on the unity of faith in Eph. 4, as I believe this work will be accomplished by the Holy Spirit to bring the Body of Christ to maturity of the knowledge of Christ.

`…he, Himself (Christ) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, & some pastors & teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith & the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children tossed to & fro & carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head – Christ –

from whom the whole body, joined & knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes the growth of the Body for the edifying of its self in love.` (Eph. 4: 11 – 16)


Here we see that the Apostle Paul was referring to doctrine – what we believe of the Lord, His character & what He is doing, (His purposes). We remember that Paul told the believers that he declared to them the whole counsel of God. Then he warned them that people would come in amongst them to deceive them.

`For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves & to all the flock, ……for I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. ` (Acts. 20: 27 – 30)

We know from history the errors that came in to try & deceive people –

  • Bishops substituted Ministry gifts. (AD 110)

  • Formalism of worship. (Close of 3rd century)

  • Amalgamation of church & State. (AD. 323)

  • Infant sprinkling. (6th century)

  • Penance indulgence. (AD. 1063)



    And we also know the different moves of the Holy Spirit revealing truth. People often lost family, possessions, tortured & even martyred for all of these beliefs, (which today most of us take so freely).
  • Lutheran – salvation by faith in Christ`s finished work on the cross. (1517)

  • Baptist – full immersion in water for dying to old self & rising to new life in Christ. (1608)

  • Methodist – Focusing on living a holy life. (1738)

  • Missionary movements, Salvation Army etc

  • Pentecostal – in filling of the Holy Spirit. (1906)

  • Apostolic – the understanding of the 5 ascension ministry gifts of Christ. (1916)



    Thus we see that the Holy Spirit, as the Lord directed, has led the Body of Christ over centuries, into more & more understanding of the knowledge of Christ. We are still in the `tossed to & fro` stage concerning a few truths but – praise the Lord, more & more I see people talking & discussing & really wanting to know the truth & not just rely on tradition.


    Thus I see that the Holy Spirit will finish the work of bringing the Body of Christ to maturity (of doctrine) where we will know the WHOLE COUNSEL of God that Paul declared to the early believers.



    Marilyn.
 
I believe that when the Body of Christ comes to full maturity in Christ, (of doctrine, knowledge of the Lord) it is then that the Body will be gathered together to join the head – Christ.

`…with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, & our gathering together to Him,…` (2 Thess. 2: 1)

This great event of our `gathering together` is called the Day of Christ. This is specifically when the corporate Body of Christ from all over the world has reached full maturity of belief in Christ & is recognizing & obeying Christ`s authority & not man`s. It is the time, I believe, when the Head, Christ is physically joined with His people.


Here is the sequence of events as I see them from scripture.

  1. THE FATHER`S THRONE.

    Presently Jesus is seated on His Father`s Throne above all. `He…sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.` (Heb. 1: 3)

    Then at the predetermined time by God a `door` will be opened in heaven & God`s voice like a trumpet blast bids us welcome. `Come up here.` (Rev. 4: 1)

    Note: I believe that John is a representative of what will happen to the Body of Christ.



  2. JESUS DESCENDS.

    Jesus will then vacate His position on the Father`s Throne & descend from heaven, to the clouds, with a shout, the voice of the archangel & the trumpet (voice) of God.

    `For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, & with the trumpet of God.` (1 Thess. 4: 16)



  3. WE ARE CHANGED.

    The dead in Christ whose spirits come with Jesus from heaven will then connect with their earthly bodies in the graves & rise first to ground level in their new resurrected bodies. `…the dead in Christ will rise first…` (1 Thess. 4: 14- 16)

    Then those alive in the Body of Christ will be changed.

    `…shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet… for this corruptible must put on incorruption, & this mortal must put on immortality.` (1 Cor. 15: 51 – 53)



  4. THE ROYAL ESCORT TO JESUS` OWN THRONE.

    We will then be caught up together with the resurrected dead to the clouds where we will meet with the Lord & escort Him to the third heaven to His own throne.

    `Then we who are alive & remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.` (1 Thess. 4: 17)


    `to meet,` GK. `apantesis,` this word is used in connection to escorting a person to their destination.


    `to him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne.` (Rev. 3: 21)

Marilyn.
 
2. The Judgment Seat of Christ.

a) Every Christian examined. (1 Cor. 4: 5, 2 Cor. 5: 10, Rom. 14: 10 – 12)

`Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness & reveal the counsels of the hearts; & then each one`s praise will come from God.` (1 Cor. 4: 5)

`For we must all appear before the judgment seat, (bema seat) of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.` (2 Cor. 5: 10)

`But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat (bema seat) of Christ….so then each of us shall give account of himself to God.` (Rom. 14: 10 – 12)

When the Body of Christ enters the third heaven, I believe we are taken to Christ`s own throne. Here each of us will be appraised by the Lord Jesus Christ as to how we cooperated with His Holt Spirit. This event is called the Bema seat of Christ.


BEMA SEAT

This is not a judicial bench to dispense condemnation, but rather like the official tribunal in the Greek Games where successful competitors assembled to receive their just reward.

Bema – from the Greek, meaning a tribunal seat.

Marilyn.
 
b) Rewards or Loss. (1 Cor. 3:11 – 15, 2 Jn. 8)

`For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one`s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; & the fire will test each one`s work, of what sort it is.

If anyone`s work which he had built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone`s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.` (1 Cor. 3: 11 – 15)

`Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.` (2 John 8)


The Apostle Paul wrote clearly, I believe to the Corinthian believers regarding this special event, the Bema seat judgment of Christ. It will be a time where the motives of our heart will be brought to light.

`(the Lord)…reveal the counsels (motives) of the hearts; & then each one`s praise will come from God.` (1 Cor. 4: 5)



Rewards or loss will be determined as to what was accomplished under the anointing & guidance of the Holy Spirit, or whether the underlying motive was for self, - pride. Paul warned the believers that they needed to be careful as to how they would `build` in their lives upon the foundation of Christ.


`For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid which is Jesus Christ.` (1 Cor 3: 11)

`Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones…` (1 Cor. 3: 12)


This is what I believe these `symbols` represent.


GOLD – Faith in God.

To build in our lives with the Holy Spirit, trusting God through life`s trials, temptations & difficulties, I believe is likened to `gold.` Gold, although very valuable, is perishable, but our faith in God is imperishable.

`…you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor & glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.` (1 Peter 1: 6 & 7)


SILVER – Redemption.

Similarly, silver is also valuable but perishable, however it is likened to building in our lives by the Holy Spirit the redeeming work of Christ.

`…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver….but with the precious blood of Christ,…` (1 Peter 1: 17 – 21)


PRECIOUS STONES – Our individual lives.

Precious stones are individual & each has their own special luster. It is a great example, or symbol, I believe, of how each of us, by the Holy Spirit, are being fashioned into a holy priesthood in Jesus Christ.


`Coming to Him as a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God & precious, you also, as living stones.` (1 Peter 2: 4 & 5)


Marilyn.
 
c) Crowns allocated.

I believe that different crowns, representing authority & responsibility will also be bestowed as additional rewards for specific service & faith.

Crowns, Gk. `stephanos,` meaning victor`s crowns.


1. The Crown of Life.

`Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.` (James 1: 12)

There are many trials we face as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.



2. The Crown of Rejoicing.

`For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming.` (1 Thess. 2: 19)

There is great joy in discipling & mentoring others.



3. The Crown of Glory.

`Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; & when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.` (1 Peter 5: 2 – 4)

There is a great responsibility to be a `Shepherd of the flock` & not lord it over them.



4. The Crown of Victory.

`And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.` (1 Cor. 9: 25)

There is great freedom in being Holy Spirit guided & not self controlling.




5. The Crown of Righteousness.

`Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, & not only me but also all who have loved His appearing.` (2 Tim. 4: 8)

This is our hope – looking for the Lord Jesus Christ coming for His Body. It keeps us from being driven to try to change & fix the world which is destined for judgment.
 
3. Restitution of All Things.

Commencement. (Acts 3: 21)


I believe the times of restitution starts, as God`s word tell us, WHEN Christ is sent by God the Father to begin the process of restitution of all things.

`God....may send Jesus Christ,...whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, ...`(Acts 3: 21)


Presently we know that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, far above all.

`God....seated Him (Christ) at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality & power & might & dominion....` (Eph. 1: 20 & 21)



However at God`s appointed time He will send Jesus to gather the believers.

`Now, we ask you brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ & our gathering together to Him.` (2 Thess. 2: 1)


The Body of Christ will `meet` the Lord & then escort Him to His own Throne.

`For the Lord will descend from heaven......then we who are alive & remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.` ( 1 Thess. 4: 16 & 17)

meet – Gk. `apantesis,` has the connotation of escorting a person to their destination.



Together with Christ the overcomers will be seated on His throne.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne,.....` (Rev. 3: 21)



This, I believe, is the first area of rulership to be restored in Christ & marks the beginning of the restoration of all other rulership under Christ.

 
When Christ is sent by God to connect with His Body, (Head – Body) then they escort Him to His new rulership position in the third heaven. There amid heaven`s acclaim we read of Christ`s investiture with executive authority to rule over His enemies.

`The Lord (God) said to my Lord (Messiah), “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies!” (Ps. 110: 1 & 2)


The Body of Christ as Kings & priests will also rule with Christ.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I overcame & sat down with my Father on His throne.` (Rev. 3: 21)

Thus we see, I believe the 24 Elders as representative of the Body of Christ, seated on thrones around Christ`s throne.

`Around the throne were 24 thrones, & on the thrones I saw 24 elders sitting, clothed in white robes; & they had crowns of gold on their heads.` (Rev. 4: 4)

24 Elders – (2 X 12) Highest Government.

On Thrones – King Priests.

Around Christ`s Throne – The Body of Christ.

Clothed in White Robes – Made Holy through Christ`s blood.

With Golden Crowns – Victor`s, Overcomers.
 
We are told in God`s word that the Body of Christ will judge the world system & fallen angels.

`Do you not know that the saints will judge the world (system)?....Do you not know that we shall judge angels?` (1 Cor. 6: 2 & 3)


The prophet Daniel was given a vision of this judgment time. He saw the Lord, the High Court Judge with the heavenly court.

`I watched till thrones were put in place, & the Ancient of Days was seated;.....the court was seated.` (Dan. 7: 9 & 10)


Further on we are shown what is being judged – it is the final world ruler of the world system.

`...the Ancient of Days came, & judgment was made.....the court shall be seated, & they shall take away his dominion, to consume & destroy it forever.` (Dan. 7: 22 & 26)


It was not revealed to Daniel who this court was, but through the revelation to the Apostle Paul we realise the great inheritance we have as believers in the Body of Christ.
 
I believe the Body of Christ is a living organism, being built & matured by the Head – Christ Jesus, throughout the centuries & across the world. Amazingly, those with Christ`s life within them are overcoming the world, the flesh & the devil – humble contrite hearts whose sole purpose is to glorify their precious Saviour & Lord.

What a wonderful day that will be, not only for us, but also for the Lord Himself as He connects with His Body, that He gave His life for, a day of bringing many sons to glory where we will be forever with Him in the eternal glorious realms above – our heavenly home.


Our heavenly hope.

`We give thanks to the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus & of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,…` (Col. 1: 3 – 5)


Our heavenly Calling.

`Therefore holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the apostle & high priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.` (Heb. 3: 1)


Our heavenly Citizenship.

`For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.` (Phil. 3: 20)



Our heavenly Inheritance.

`Blessed be the God & father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible & undefiled & that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.` (1 Peter 1: 3 & 4)


Marilyn.
 
In the following scriptures we can see how specifically & consistently Jesus` name (Jesus) & titles (Lord & Christ) are used to designate the Day. (The Day of Christ)

`…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the Day of Jesus Christ.` (Phil. 1: 6)

`And this I pray, that your love may abound still more & more in knowledge & discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere & without offence till the Day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory & praise of God.` (Phil 1: 9 – 11)

`I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance & all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ.` (1 Cor. 1: 4 – 8)

`For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity & godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, & more abundantly towards you. For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the Day of the Lord Jesus (Christ).` (2 Cor. 1: 12 – 14)

The Day of Christ is the great event of our `gathering together,` to meet Christ the Head. This is specifically when the corporate Body of Christ from all over the world has reached full maturity of faith of Christ`s purposes, recognizing & obeying His authority & not man`s authority. It is the time when the Head, Christ is physically joined with His people, the Body of Christ.

Thus the Day of Christ relates, I believe, solely to the Body of Christ, & its removal from the earth. Paul is the only one who mentions this day and he is distinctly the Apostle to the Body of Christ.


Marilyn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top